What: The School of American Ballet and New York City Ballet will join forces for the fourth year of The Nutcracker Family Benefit. The benefit will begin with a performance of the timeless classic, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker ^™.  Following the performance, some 800 benefit guests have the opportunity to visit the ballet's "Land of Sweets" on stage. On the Theater's promenade guests will enjoy a holiday party decorated with gingerbread houses and good cheer. The Sugarplum Fairy, her Cavalier, Candy Canes, Chinese Tea, Marzipan, and children from the cast will be on hand to sign autographs and mingle with the guests.

Who: Benefit Chairmen are Ann Clairmont, Pamela Rothenberg and Linda Wells. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - the popular young actresses known for their work in film, on television's Full House and the upcoming Two of a Kind, and in their own series of videos and adventure books - will serve as Honorary Chairmen.

When: Saturday, December 12, 1998
2:00 p.m. Performance
4:00 p.m. Backstage visit
4:20 p.m. Holiday party

Where: New York State Theater, Lincoln Center
Entrance at 63rd Street and Columbus Avenue

How: Tables of ten are available for $10,000, $7,500, $5,000, and $2,500.
Individual tickets are available for $1,000, $750, $500, and $250.
The non-deductible portion of each ticket for the performance and party is $110.

Tickets are available through NYCB and SAB Special Events offices by invitation only. NYCB (212) 870-5585, SAB (212) 769-6600.

Why:The Nutcracker Family Benefit provides a vital source of support for the School of American Ballet's scholarship fund. This year the school will provide over $1 million for student scholarships, tuition exemptions and other financial aid. The Nutcracker Family Benefit is also a critical source of support for New York City Ballet's education programs serving thousands of children and families in the metropolitan area.